Sec. 574.022. ISSUANCE OF ORDER

(a) The judge or designated magistrate may issue a protective custody order if the judge or magistrate determines:

(1) that a physician has stated his opinion and the detailed reasons for his opinion that the proposed patient is mentally ill; and

(2) the proposed patient presents a substantial risk of serious harm to himself or others if not immediately restrained pending the hearing.

(b) The determination that the proposed patient presents a substantial risk of serious harm may be demonstrated by the proposed patient's behavior or by evidence of severe emotional distress and deterioration in the proposed patient's mental condition to the extent that the proposed patient cannot remain at liberty.

(c) The judge or magistrate may make a determination that the proposed patient meets the criteria prescribed by Subsection (a) from the application and certificate alone if the judge or magistrate determines that the conclusions of the applicant and certifying physician are adequately supported by the information provided.

(d) The judge or magistrate may take additional evidence if a fair determination of the matter cannot be made from consideration of the application and certificate only.

(e) The judge or magistrate may issue a protective custody order for a proposed patient who is charged with a criminal offense if the proposed patient meets the requirements of this section and the facility administrator designated to detain the proposed patient agrees to the detention.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.